Creative Journey

In this episode of Creative Journey, we continue our series, “The Art of Arrival: Rewiring Your Brain for Joy.” Coach Kaila dives deep into the “Upper Limit Problem”—the subconscious thermostat that often triggers anxiety, worry, or self-sabotage when our lives start going “too well.” We explore the somatic difference between the Inner Critic, who uses shame to dampen our joy, and the Inner Protector, who uses hyper-vigilance to keep us “safe” in a state of stress. You will learn practical, non-visual tools for stretching your “vessel of joy,” including Titration (taking in happiness in small drops) and Pendulation (moving between a resource and a neutral state). We also discuss how to use Ventral Vagal Anchors—like vocal toning and body anchoring—to stay centered on the Polyvagal ladder when the “voltage” of contentment feels higher than your nervous system is used to. Finally, we walk through the process of tearing up old “Upper Limit Contracts” to shift your identity from a lifelong Striver to a confident Arriver. Weekly Homework & Action Steps: The Joy Thermostat Check-In: Twice a day, stop and ask your body: “On a scale of 1-10, how much joy or peace am I allowing myself to feel right now?” If you notice you are dampening your mood, practice “titrating” your satisfaction up by just 1% for 30 seconds to stretch your somatic capacity. Journaling Prompt: “What is the old ‘Upper Limit’ contract I am ready to tear up today (e.g., ‘I must stay stressed to stay productive’), and what is the new rule I am writing in its place?” Affirmation: “I have the capacity to hold immense joy. It is safe for me to feel good, and I do not need to ‘pay’ for my happiness with stress.” Connect with Coach Kaila: Visit our website for more resources: Creative Guidance LLC Support the show: Buy Me a Coffee

In this episode of Creative Journey, we begin our new series, “The Art of Arrival: Rewiring Your Brain for Joy.” Coach Kaila explores why we often spend our lives “seeking” instead of “savoring” and how our biological wiring can make contentment feel elusive. We dive deep into the neuroscience of the Dopamine loop—the brain’s “anticipation” circuit—and explain why reaching a goal can sometimes leave us feeling empty. We also discuss “Habituation” and how our nervous system filters out the very comforts we once worked so hard to achieve. Finally, we share somatic tools to activate your “satisfaction chemicals” (Serotonin and Oxytocin) through the practice of intentional savoring. Weekly Homework & Action Steps: The “Have-Done” List: Each night this week, instead of focusing on your to-do list, record three things you actually accomplished. Let your brain rest in the satisfaction of completion. Journaling Prompt: “If I stopped chasing ‘more’ for just one hour today, what beautiful thing would I finally have the space to notice?” Affirmation: “I am allowed to be satisfied with what is. My worth is not a destination; it is my starting point.” Connect with Coach Kaila: Visit our website for more resources: Creative Guidance LLC Support the show: Buy Me a Coffee

Join Coach Kaila to shift from heavy Resolutions to aligned Intentions. We will dive into the science of why resolutions fail, enjoy a guided meditation to find your “Word of the Year,” and learn multi-sensory tools to anchor that word in your daily life.

Integration & Resilience: Building Your Compassionate Toolbox In this final session, we integrate all techniques, adding tools like Loving-Kindness and the Handshake Practice to strengthen your brain’s resilience circuits and build your personalized roadmap for lasting emotional balance.

Active Regulation: The Power of Soften, Soothe, Allow You will master the core technique of Soften, Soothe, Allow, which actively calms your nervous system by releasing physical tension and cultivating self-kindness, allowing difficult emotions to process and subside naturally.

Foundations: Naming, Noticing, and Welcoming What Is This session teaches you the crucial first step of Name & Note, helping you regulate your response by non-judgmentally observing emotions and their physical sensations to understand that no feeling is fixed.

Practice gratitude as a tool for abundance and joy. We’ll reflect on the progress made and celebrate the small wins and profound transformations.

On this bonus episode of Creative Journey from January 2025. This is our discussion from last year about Intention words for the new year. Take a look back, and be ready on New years day of this year to come chat with us about your intention word for the year.

Learn to let go of old patterns, limiting beliefs, and emotional baggage. We’ll explore somatic and mindfulness techniques to release and create space for new growth.

Explore the light within you. This week is dedicated to connecting with your unique strengths and passions, and expressing your authentic self without fear.

Learn to notice and appreciate the small moments of joy, safety, and connection that bring light to your life. We’ll explore how these “glimmers” can help regulate your nervous system and build resilience.

Dive into the practice of self-love and radical acceptance. Discover how to quiet your inner critic and nourish yourself with kindness.

Focus on goal setting and manifestation. Learn how to plant the seeds of your desires and align your thoughts and actions with your deepest values.

Explore the importance of self-awareness and mindful presence. We’ll begin by identifying where you are on your journey and setting intentions for the weeks ahead.

In our final session, we’ll focus on creating a sustainable approach to your journey. We’ll discuss the benefits of delayed gratification and how pacing yourself for the long haul can lead to greater success and a deeper sense of fulfillment.

Learn practical strategies for developing realistic expectations for your goals. We’ll cover how to measure progress, celebrate milestones along the way, and deal with feelings of frustration and impatience in a healthy, productive manner.

This week, we’ll examine the negative consequences of expecting immediate results. We’ll discuss how impatience can lead to prematurely abandoning goals, making dangerous shortcuts, and experiencing frustrating emotions that sabotage our efforts.

We’ll dive into the reasons behind our desire for instant gratification. We’ll explore societal influences, personal expectations, and how this mindset can prevent us from ever reaching our full potential.

Discover how embracing humility isn’t weakness, but a profound source of strength. We’ll explore strategies to integrate a “world owes me nothing” mindset into your daily life, equipping you with tools to overcome common pitfalls and sustain your journey of personal growth and contentment.

Shift your focus from taking to truly giving. Inspired by incredible real-life stories, we’ll explore the immense joy and personal strength that come from contributing to others. Learn how to foster empathy and become a true team player in all areas of your life – from work to personal relationships.Episode Notes Notes go here